Salvage Car Title Information in Missouri

Salvaged cars are also referred to as totaled cars when talking in insurance terms. This means that the car owner's insurance carrier has deemed that repair costs for the car are more than the car's total value.

How to Obtain a Salvage Title in Missouri

In August of 2005, Missouri passed a law that detailed several steps neccesary to retain ownership of a salvage car's title. An owner must submit an application for a title and license marked with "prior salvage", a total fee of $11, the original title, a safety inspection form and the Notice of Vehicle Titling Requirements form to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Salvage Title Fraud

Salvage fraud happens when a car or truck dealer buys a salvage vehicle and then tries to pass the vehicle off as if it was never damaged. A vehicle history report or having a mechanic check out the vehicle will help avoid salvage fraud.

Changes to Missouri Salvage Title Law

On August 20th, 2007 the Missouri State Legislature amended the previous salvage title law. The definition of a salvage vehicle now includes vehicles that are less than seven years old but have sustained damage that would cost more than 80 percent of the fair market value. The repair costs when determining salvage no longer include hail damage.

References

• DMV.org: Missouri Salvaged Vehicles
• Missouri Department of Insurance: 07-03: Motor Vehicle Salvage Title Procedure